ADDITIONAL ALLOCATION OF RM20 MILLION FOR SMJKC - ANWAR

IPOH, Feb 14 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced an additional RM20 million allocation for Chinese National-Type Secondary Schools (SMJKC) nationwide to improve facilities and basic amenities.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the allocation is given as part of the government's efforts to strengthen the education sector and ensure school facilities continue to be enhanced, in line with the principles of Malaysia MADANI.

"I am announcing the additional allocation of RM20 million for SMJKC to improve basic facilities and school needs,” he said at the MADANI Compassion Contribution ceremony for the Tambun parliamentary constituency in conjunction with the Chinese New Year and Ramadan celebrations at Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan (SMJK) Cina Yuk Choy here today.

Also present were Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.

Earlier, in his speech, Anwar stressed that the education system must produce students who are not only outstanding academically, but also disciplined, of good moral character and have mutual respect for one another regardless of race and religion.

"We are a country with diverse races and religions. Education must teach us so that we understand and respect each other,” he said.

At the same event, Anwar, who is also the Tambun Member of Parliament, presented contributions to student representatives in the constituency.

About 3,000 students in the constituency were present to enliven the event, which was filled with various performances and the handing over of contributions.

-- BERNAMA